Pipe coupling with releasable connector

ABSTRACT

A coupler unit includes two hemispherical sections having a Ushaped cross-section and opposed radial end faces. A hinge pin connects the one end of the sections with a selected spacing between the opposing faces. A toggle assembly connects the opposite ends and includes a bolt, pivotally attached to a first section and having an outer nut pivotally connected to a handle which extends over the adjacent section. The handle includes an integral cam end corresponding to a cam surface on the second section to provide a cam action in response to engagement and pivotal movement of the handle. An operating handle extends over the coupler sections with a central integrally formed enlargement extending inwardly between a pair of walls with the enlargement resting on the section. The enlargement and walls have aligned openings to receive a locking pin.

Matted States Patent Westerlund et al.

[ Dec. 12, 1972 [54] PIPE COUPLING WITH RELEASABLE CONNECTOR [72]Inventors: Robert E. Westerlund, Mequon;

Herbert A. Westerlund, Port Washington, both of Wis.

[73] Assignee: Construction Forms, Inc., Cedarburg, Wis.

l22| Filed: Aprll23, 1971 21 1 Appl. No.: 136,682

Primary Examiner-Dave W. Arola AttorneyAndrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall[5 7] ABSTRACT A coupler unit includes two hemispherical sections havinga U-shaped cross-section and opposed radial end faces. A hinge pinconnects the one end of the sections with a selected spacing between theopposing faces. A toggle assembly connects the opposite ends andincludes a bolt, pivotally attached to a-first section and having anouter nut pivotally connected to a handle which extends over theadjacent section. The handle includes an integral cam end correspondingto'a cam surface on the second section to provide a cam action inresponse to engagement and pivotal movement of the handle. An operatinghandle extends over the coupler sections with a central integrallyformed enlargement extending inwardly between a pair of walls with theenlargement resting on the section. The enlargement and walls havealigned openings to receive a locking pin.

9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This inventionrelates to a conduit coupling unit with a releasable toggle joint andparticularly such a coupling unit for interconnecting of a pair of pipesections in axially end-to-end relationship.

In many flow systems, the pipes or other conduit means may be more orless temporarily interconnected for relatively short periods of time toprovide a particular transfer of material. One relative recentdevelopment requiring the connection and disconnection of conduit flowsections has been concrete pumping wherein the concrete is trucked tothe installation site and then transferred to the actual drop locationthrough a pressurized pumping system. As each installation is generallyunique, the pumping system employs standarized pipe sections which arereleasably connected to produce the most convenient transfer path. Suchsystems require relatively high pressure transfer to adequately move thematerial, and the interconnecting joint preferably provides a fluid andliquid tight seal between the adjacent pipe sections. Further, in mostapplications, each joint is preferably through a coupling which willpermit rapid closing and opening to permit reassembly of the pipesections as well as an initial assembly and disassembly in a relativelyrapid manner. Various toggle joint pipe couplings have been suggested inthe prior art. For example, Hughes US. Pat. No. 2,752,174 discloses ahinged pipe coupling having a toggle connection for releasing andcompleting the opening and closing of the coupling. A similar typecoupling is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,113,791. Although such hingedtoggle couplings have been employed, they have not included convenientopening and closing, the teaching of the prior art being particularlydirected to maintaining a tight, reliable closure. Thus, the togglelever members of the prior art establish a relatively high closingpressure with the lever handle lying immediately adjacent to the pipesection. To open such toggle couplings, generally a screwdriver orsimilar tool is employed to initially apply an additional leverage tothe end of the handle to permit manual opening of the unit. Further, theprior art coupling units have generally been formed with similarhemispherical sections hinged at one end and releasably connected at theopposite end. The opposed mating faces particularly at the hinge arespecially formed to provide an interengagement to produce a fulcrum typeefi'ect to increase the closure pressure. Such systems thus stress thehinged joint in order to establish a very firm tight joint closure.However, Applicants realize that particularly in concrete placementapplications the introduction of foreign matter between the surfaceswill adversely affect the sealing characteristic and pressures of thecoupling unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is particularly directedto a multiple piece or segmental band type coupling unit for a conduitmeans having a manually operated toggle release which will permit a firmand reliable closure while maintaining convenient manual actuation ofthe unit and particularly the opening thereof.

Generally in accordance with the present invention, the coupling unit isformed as a multiple segment coupling members defining a circular jointenclosure and preferably having two similar generally hemisphericalmembers hinged to each other at the opposite end by a lever operatedreleasable toggle connector. ln accordance with the teaching of thepresent invention,

the toggle connector includes a pivotally mounted handle forming a partthereof which in the closed position is constructed to curve about thepipe section and coupling unit substantially in excess of one quarter ofthe circumference thereof. The central portion of the handle isspecially constructed to cooperate with an adjacent coupling member andin particular to provide for an interrelated spacing means such as anenlargement which positively spaces the handle from the coupling unitand thereby spaces the free end of the lever or handle from the couplingunit by a distance which defines a freely engageable multiple fingerengaging portion defined by an inner surface substantially concentric tosaid adjacent coupling sections between said handle and said couplingand permits convenient manual gripping of such free end. This permitsnot only relatively convenient opening and closing of the coupling unit,but relatively safe operation without the danger of finger damage. Inaddition, the cooperating spacing means is preferably provided withoverlapping sections on the handle and adjacent coupling number, havingreleasable means, such as aligned openings in the overlapping sectionsto receive a locking pin. This will prevent accidental opening of thecoupling of the flow system by unintended engagement with the handle aswell as due to vibration under operating conditions and the like. In apreferred and particularly novel construction the operating handleextends over the coupling unit with a'central integrally formed portionextending inwardly as an enlargement such that with the handle in thecompletely closed position the enlargement rests on the adjacentcoupling section. The enlargement projects inwardly between a pair ofintegral flanges on the coupling section member. The handle enlargementand the flanges are provided with aligned openings in the closedposition to receive a locking pin.

The toggle assembly of the coupling unit preferably includes means foradjusting the relative position of a toggle link to permit the varyingof the locking force. Thus, in a preferred construction the toggleassembly includes a bolt like member pivotally attached to the onesegment. An adjustable nut is attached to the outer end of the bolt andpivotally interconnected to the handle member to permit adjustment ofthe relative position of the handle member on the bolt. The leverincludes integral cam surfaces corresponding to cam surfaces on thesecond segmental coupling member to provide a cam action in response toengagement and pivotal movement of the handle.

Further, in accordance with a further teaching of the present inventionparticularly for concrete placement applications and the like, thecoupling is formed with similar hemispherical section having opposedradial end faces. In accordance with the present invention, a hingestructure interconnects the one end to positively maintain a selectedspacing between the opposing faces such that small aggregate and othermaterial such as encountered in concrete will not interfere with thereliable actuation of the coupling member. This maintains the creationand provision of the clamping forces on the hinged structure withoutcreating unbalanced forces as the result of material within the matingfaces.

The present invention has thus been found to provide a relatively rapidacting and positively locked coupling. The coupling is particularlyadvantageous when applied to concrete placement and the like where it isdesired to permit the rapid connection and disconnection of the pipesections through manual operation or release of the coupling units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING The drawing furnished herewith illustratesthe preferred construction of the present invention in which the aboveadvantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others whichwill be readily understood from the following description.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a coupling unit constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

FlG. 2 is an end elevational view of the coupling unit shown in FIG. 1showing the interconnecting fixed hinge;

FIG. 3 is an opposite end view of the coupling unit shown in FIG. 1illustrating the toggle type connector, and with parts of the couplingunit broken away and sectioned to show certain detail of construction;and

FIG. 4 is a pictorial view showing the coupling unit of FIGS. 1 through3 in the open position.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing, andparticularly FIGS. 1 and 3, a coupling unit 1 constructed in accordancewith the teaching of the present invention is shown interconnecting apair of metal conduits or pipes 2 and 3 in endto-end relation toestablish a continuous flow path therebetween. The illustrated couplingunit 1 is a metal assembly including a pair of hemispherical orsemi-circular sections or members, the opposite end faces of which aregenerally radial planar surfaces such that with the coupling in theclosed position as shown in FIG. 1 an essentially complete circularenclosure is provided about the adjacent ends of the pipes 2 and 3. Thesections 4 and 5 are formed with similar cross-sections and inparticular are of a generally inverted U- shaped construction with theinner edges of a somewhat reduced thickness to define radial clampinglips 6 which project inwardly into clamping recesses or grooves 7 formedin the exterior surface of the pipes 2 and 3. In addition, a circularsealing gasket 8 overlies the pipe ends within the inverted couplingmembers 4 and 5 in accordance with known constructions to provide a firmfluid and liquid tight joint. Thus with the coupling unit 1 in closedposition as shown in FIG. 1, the physical interengagement of thecoupling members with the housing section provides a firm physicalinterconnection therebetween to maintain the location of the pipesections relative to each other, and the gasket 8 provides a fluid tightjoint. The invention thus may be advantageously applied to a concreteplacement system where steel pipes or the like have the endsappropriately formed for connection by the coupling unit 1.

Turning particularly to FIG. 1, the coupling unit 1 of the presentinvention and particularly the members 4 and 5 are interconnected at oneend by a hinge pin 9 and at the opposite end by a releasable toggleassembly including a manually operable handle .10 to permit release andopening of the coupling unit to the position shown in FIG. 4.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the invention, themember 4 includes a pair of integrally formed bearing ears 11 havingaligned openings through which the pin 9 projects. The ears 11 areintegrally formed as a part of the member 4 such as by casting or thelike and are connected thereto by a continuous strengthening portionwhich extends outwardly from the exterior peripherial portion of themember 4 to establish a relatively high strength bearing member. Theopposite section or member 5 includes a similar hinge bracket portion 12which projects from the exterior surface of the member 5 between theears 11. The bracket portion 12 has a corresponding opening throughwhich the pin 9 extends to establish the hinged connection.

The hinge pin 9 is located on the common plane through the center of thecoupling unit 1 and particularly on a common plane between the twocoupling members 4 and 5, as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.Further, the members 4 and 5 are slightly less than a full half circlesuch that the planar surfaces 13 which project inwardly from the hingedportion are spaced slightly from each other to define a distinctcircumferential spacing 14 between the members 4 and 5 in the closedclamping position, such as shown on FIG. 1. Thus, the free space 14 willaccept the relatively small aggregate and similar foreign matter whichcannot be conveniently brushed from within the joint so as to notinterfere with the closing and opening of the coupling unit. Further,any material within the gap will partially disintegrate within therelatively large space and prevent creation of abnormal and undesirablestresses. The closing of the coupling unit may thus be obtained in arapid and reliable. manner.

The coupling unit 1 is opened and closed by the pivoting of the handle10 of the toggle assembly interconnecting the free ends of the couplingmembers 4 and S, as follows.

The lower member 4 includes a pair of radially projecting ears orbrackets 15 which project radially outwardly from the opposite or freeend of the member 4. The brackets 15 are provided with aligned openingswithin which a pivot pin 16 is secured. A toggle bolt 17 is journaled onthe pin 16 between the brackets 15. A coupling cap 18 is secured to theopposite end of the bolt 17 and includes a lateral pivot opening 19through which a second pivot pin 20 passes. The handle 10 has abifurcated cam end with a pair of cam arms 22 which project over themember 18. The arms 22 have corresponding aligned openings aligned withopening 19 with the pin 20 passing therethrough and are joined by anintegral base 23 to pivotally attach the handle 10 to the toggle bolt 17through the cap 18. The cap 18 is adjustabiy secured to the bolt 17 asby the threaded connection 21 to permit adjustment of the effectivelength between the pivot pins 16 and 20.

The cam arms 22 cooperate with corresponding cam surfaces 24 formed on apair of radial brackets 25 projecting outwardly from the free end ofcoupling member 5. Thus, the brackets 25 are shown integrally formed onthe opposite or free end of the member 5 and project radially outwardlygenerally coextensively of the brackets 15. The outer portion of eachbracket 25 is formed with a curved depression defining a cam surface 24cooperating with the correspondingly curved shaped end of the cam arms22. The cam surface 24 is located slightly inwardly of the axis of thetoggle pin 16 with member 5 in the closed position. Consequently, whenthe handle is pivoted to the closed position as shown in FIG. 1, theaxis of the pin 20 moves inwardly of the axis of the pin 16 to provide afirm interconnecting'latch as the result of the bearing engagement ofthe cam surfaces on the brackets and the ends of cam arms 22 of thehandle 10.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the invention thehandle 10 extends outwardly and circumferentially of the member 5 as anintegral solid member from the interconnecting base 23 of the cam arms22. The illustrated handle 10 which extends over the member 5 is of asubstantially lesser thickness than the member 5 and is generally curvedin accordance with the configuration or diameter radius of the member 5.The central portion of the handle 10 is formed with an inwardlyprojecting enlargement or lug 28 which extends inwardly between a pairof upstanding flanges 29 integrally formed on the exterior of the member5. Lug 28 is selected to engage the exterior surface of the member 5with the pin 20 in the toggle locking position and thus to the left ofthe center of the axis of the toggle pin 16 as shown in FIG. 1. It thuspermits complete closure of the toggle unit. The enlargement or lug 28,however, positively spaces the outer extension of the handle 10 whichthus defines a manually accessible handle 30 spaced from the exteriorof. the member 5 as at 31. The lug 28 is selected of such a size toestablish a sufficiently large space 31 which will permit the insertionand ready and free movement of an operators fingers into the space withthe handle 10 in the completely closed position. This then preventspossible clamping of the fingers between the handle 30 and section'fiand further provides an appreciable gripping area for manually openingof the coupling unit.

The depending lug 28 and the upstanding flanges 29 are preferablyprovided with correspondingly sized and aligned openings 32 with thehandle ill in the closed position. A latch pin 33 may be projectedthrough the aligned opening 32 to positively lock the handle 10 in theclosed position thereby preventing accidental opening of the couplingeither through accidental engagement with the handle 30, by vibration orthe like as a result of flow through conduits 2 and 3. r

If the exposure of the outer most end of handle 30 is consideredundesirable, it can of course be extended inwardly as shown in phantomline such that in the coupling assembly is in the open position, asshown in FIG. 4. The housing member 5 is now swung about its hinge pin 9to rest upon the pipe section with the brackets 25 aligned with thebrackets 15. The handle 10 is moved upwardly to carry the bolt 17between the aligned brackets 15 and 25. The cam ends of the cam arms 22are engaged with the cam surfaces 24 and the handle 10 is then pivotedor swung about the pin 20. Thus, as viewed in FIG. 1 the handle 10 wouldbe pivoted in a counterclockwise direction about the pin 2%. It wouldfirst stress the housing causing them to move downwardly as a result ofthe spacing of the pins 16 and 20. The continued movement would causethe members to move 4 and 5 toward each other and tightly engage thepipes to thereby provide a firm physical interlock therebetween. Itwould simultaneously compress the gasket to produce a liquid and fiuidtype joint.

The handle 10 is completely pivoted to the closed position, the lug 28engages the exterior surface of the memberS with the openings 32aligned. The locking pin 33 can then be conveniently passed through theopenings to firmly and positively interlock the toggle in the closedposition.

In the closed position as previously noted, the opposing ends of themembers 4 and 5 are spaced as shown at M adjacent the hinge pin 9 toprevent interference with the closing of the coupling unit by foreignmatter such as concrete aggregate which may have entered in between themembers in use. This is particularly significant in connection withconcrete placement and the like where aggregate foreign matter ispresent and readily finds its way into areas such as the hinge joints.

When the pipes 2 and 3 are to be released, the handle portion 30 may beconveniently grasped and the necessary opening force applied directly tothe handle 10.

Applicants have found that the present invention provides a veryreliable and firm interconnection of the pipe sections with the openingand closing of the coupling assembly being conveniently performed by anymanual operator. The present invention thus provides a reliable andrapidly actuated coupling for interconnecting conduit members andparticularly self-supporting conduit members for concrete placementlines and the like.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out anddistinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as theinvention.

I claim:

1. A coupling unit for interconnecting of a pair of pipe sectionscomprising a plurality of coupling sections interconnected to define acylindrical enclosure in closed position for encircling the adjacentends of a pair of conduit means, said sections being interconnected toeach other and including at least one hinged joint permitting relativepivotal movement of the sections to the opposite sides of the hingejoint between an open expanded position for insertion and removal of theconduit means and the closed circular position, a releasableinterconnecting two piece latch means interconnected to a pair ofadjacent sections opposite said hinge joint and having aninterconnecting handle pivoted between a coupling release position and acoupling close position to establish said closed circular position witha relatively high closing pressure, said handle having a generallyarcuate configuration and pivotally mounted adjacent one end andextending circumferentially from said latch means about the couplingsections in the close position with the outer end of the handle locatedsubstantially in excess of onequarter of the circumference from saidlatch means, said handle and aligned coupling sections including spacingmeans extending radially of the coupling sections and engaged with thehandle pivoted to the closed position, said spacing means being locatedin substantial spaced relation to the free outer end of said handle andto said latch means and locating said outer end in substantial spacedrelation to the sections to define a freely engageable multiple fingerengaging portion defined by an inner surface substantially concentric tothe adjacent coupling sections between said handle and said coupling.

2. The coupling unit of claim 1 wherein said spacing means includesradially overlapping members secured one to said handle and one to thecoupling section, and locking means releasably connected to saidoverlapping members to hold the handle in the close position.

3. The coupling unit of claim 1, wherein said plurality of couplingsections includes a pair of semi-circular sections connected by saidhinge joint at one end, said latch means including a firstmemberpivotally connected to a first of said sections and a cam memberconnected to the second of said sections, said handle being connected tosaid first pivotally mounted section and adopted to engage said memberof the second section, said handle being pivoted to said first memberand having a cam portion selectively engageable with said cam member andpivoting on said cam member between said close and release positions.

4. The coupling unit of claim 1 wherein said handle includes an integralenlargement extending inwardly from the handle toward the couplingsection and engaged therewith with the handle pivoted to the closedposition to thereby define said spacing means.

5. The coupling unit of claim 4 wherein said handle extendscircumferentially about the coupling for a distance such that the handlespans substantially onehalf of the coupling unit, said enlargement beinglocated generally centrally of said handle.

6. The coupling unit of claim 5 wherein said coupling section adjacentsaid handle includes an upward extending bracket aligned with saidenlargement in the closed position, said flange and said enlargementhaving corresponding aligned openings in the closed position to permitinsertion of a releasable coupling pin and positively locking of thehandle in the closed position.

7. The coupling unit of claim 1 wherein said plurality of couplingsections includes a pair of similar semi-circular members having opposedplanar radial circumferential end faces, one end of said sections beinginterconnected by said latch means, the opposite end of said segmentsbeing pivotally interconnected by said hinged joint and including ahinge pin lying in the common plane between the two sections, said hingepin being mounted to positively prevent engagement of the opposing endfaces of the sections adjacent such hinge plg'. The coupling unit ofclaim 1 wherein said latch means includes a pin member pivotally securedto the first coupling and having a locking position extended past saidcam portion, a cam member being secured to said second coupling sectionand including an exterior circumferential cam surface, said handle beingpivotally secured to the outermost end of said pivotally mounted pinmember and including a cam arm engageable with said cam portion withpivotal movement relative to said cam portion selectively releasing andclosing of the coupling sections, said handle extendingcircumferentially about the coupling for a distance such that the handlespans substantially one-half of the coupling unit, said spacing meansbeing an enlargement on said handle being located generally centrally ofsaid handle.

9. The coupling unit of claim 8, wherein said coupling section adjacentsaid handle includes an upward extending bracket aligned with saidenlargement in the close position of the handle, said flange and saidenlargement having corresponding aligned openings in the closed positionto permit insertion of a releasable coupling pin and positively lockingof the handle in the closed position.

1. A coupling unit for interconnecting of a pair of pipe sectionscomprising a plurality of coupling sections interconnected to define acylindrical enclosure in closed position for encircling the adjacentends of a pair of conduit means, said sections being interconnected toeach other and including at least one hinged joint permitting relativepivotal movement of the sections to the opposite sides of the hingejoint between an open expanded position for insertion and removal of theconduit means and the closed circular position, a releasableinterconnecting two piece latch means interconnected to a pair ofadjacent sections opposite said hinge joint and having aninterconnecting handle pivoted between a coupling release position and acoupling close position to establish said closed circular position witha relatively high closing pressure, said handle having a generallyarcuate configuration and pivotally mounted adjacent one end andextending circumferentially from said latch means about the couplingsections in the close position with the outer end of the handle locatedsubstantially in excess of one-quarter of the circumference from saidlatch means, said handle and aligned coupling sections including spacingmeans extending radially of the coupling sections and engaged with thehandle pivoted to the closed position, said spacing means being locatedin substantial spaced relation to the free outer end of said handle andto said latch means and locating said outer end in substantial spacedrelation to the sections to define a freely engageable multiple fingerengaging portion defined by an inner surface substantially concentric tothe adjacent coupling sections between said handle and said coupling. 2.The coupling unit of claim 1 wherein said spacing means includesradially overlapping members secured one to said handle and one to thecoupling section, and locking means releasably connected to saidoverlapping members to hold the handle in the close position.
 3. Thecoupling unit of claim 1, wherein said plurality of coupling sectionsincludes a pair of semi-circular sections connected by said hinge jointat one end, said latch means including a first member pivotallyconnected to a first of said sections and a cam member connected to thesecond of said sections, said handle being connected to said firstpivotally mounted section and adopted to engage said member of thesecond section, said handle being pivoted to said first member andhaving a cam portion selectively engageable with said cam member andpivoting on said cam member between said close and release positions. 4.The coupling unit of claim 1 wherein said handle includes an integralenlargement extending inwardly from the handle toward the couplingsection and engaged therewith with the handle pivoted to the closedposition to thereby define said spacing means.
 5. The coupling unit ofclaim 4 wherein said handle extends circumferentially about the couplingfor a distance such that the handle spans substantially one-half of thecoupling unit, said enlargement being located generally centrally ofsaid handle.
 6. The coupling unit of claim 5 wherein said couplingsection adjacent said handle includes an upward extending bracketaligned with said enlargement in the closed position, said flange andsaid enlargement having corresponding aligned openings in the closedposition to permit insertion of a releasable coupling pin and positivelylocking of the handle in the closed poSition.
 7. The coupling unit ofclaim 1 wherein said plurality of coupling sections includes a pair ofsimilar semi-circular members having opposed planar radialcircumferential end faces, one end of said sections being interconnectedby said latch means, the opposite end of said segments being pivotallyinterconnected by said hinged joint and including a hinge pin lying inthe common plane between the two sections, said hinge pin being mountedto positively prevent engagement of the opposing end faces of thesections adjacent such hinge pin.
 8. The coupling unit of claim 1wherein said latch means includes a pin member pivotally secured to thefirst coupling and having a locking position extended past said camportion, a cam member being secured to said second coupling section andincluding an exterior circumferential cam surface, said handle beingpivotally secured to the outermost end of said pivotally mounted pinmember and including a cam arm engageable with said cam portion withpivotal movement relative to said cam portion selectively releasing andclosing of the coupling sections, said handle extendingcircumferentially about the coupling for a distance such that the handlespans substantially one-half of the coupling unit, said spacing meansbeing an enlargement on said handle being located generally centrally ofsaid handle.
 9. The coupling unit of claim 8, wherein said couplingsection adjacent said handle includes an upward extending bracketaligned with said enlargement in the close position of the handle, saidflange and said enlargement having corresponding aligned openings in theclosed position to permit insertion of a releasable coupling pin andpositively locking of the handle in the closed position.